Southampton v Chelsea Premier League Preview and Prediction

Premier League Preview for Southampton v Chelsea along with Predictions for every result in the EPL. Follow up each match with results and video highlights posted later in the week.

The Week 20 New Year’s Day Premier League Predictions have been posted, so go read up on my EPL picks for the weekend. You can use this preview for your own information or for any betting that you may do which can be done from any of the Premier League Betting Links here on the blog. Be sure to also check out the Premier League TV Schedule and 2013-14 Premier League Table.

Southampton

In the Saints last seven home matches in the EPL they have scored two or more goals six times. Their good season form has taken a dip in the past three matches with two losses and a draw, but this is their chance to turn things around if they are able to get a result against Chelsea.

Chelsea

Chelsea come into Wednesday’s match sitting in third place and only two points off the top spot. Many have accused the Blues of being overly negative this season, but they do have the fourth most goals this season with 35 while also only allowing 19 goals, third best in the league. This stereotype seems to come from some of their more aggressive fouls, some of which go unpunished.

In their 2-1 win over Liverpool they had 52% possession against a team that has averaged 55%. They also took 11 shots with five on target for their two goals. It was a match that they dominated and controlled after giving up an early goal.

Prediction

I’m predicting a draw, but this is one of those matches that could go either way. With Victor Wanyama out injured for Southampton they are really missing that extra bite in the middle of the pitch and this is something that could really hurt them.

Southampton is a team that has established itself as a solid defensive team with a quick and potent attacking force. They are fourth in shots allowed (10.4 compared to Chelsea in first at 10.1 per game), third in tackles per game with 22, and have the third most fouls per game with 12.9. They also are fourth in the league in goals allowed with 20, just behind Chelsea’s 19.

This match should be a hotly contested one, but I will give Chelsea the edge considering the quality they have in the team. It will be a difficult one for Southampton, but they will not make it easy for Chelsea.